The Friend Zone
Episode: A Briefcase of Spaghetti
Date: October 29, 2025
Hosts: Dustin Ross, Hey Fran Hey, Asante (Loud Speakers Network)
Episode Overview
This week, "The Friend Zone" blends their signature humor and culture-savvy conversation with a deep dive into reality TV drama, mental wellness updates, spooky stories from the Bible, and their takes on recent music and TV. The crew discusses everything from Bravo’s Next Gen NYC chaos and gym TikTok trends, to massive food portions and the ongoing Crime Zone segment. The episode also features community engagement, wellness resources for Hurricane Melissa, and their favorite new music. As always, it's an engaging, funny, and reflective look at mental health, pop culture, and Black life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Bravo’s Next Gen NYC Drama & Riley Burruss (01:23–09:48)
- Dustin recaps the reality TV controversy: Riley Burruss, daughter of Kandi Burruss from Xscape, returns to Bravo’s Next Gen NYC for season 2. Season 1 showed Riley struggling with racial microaggressions as one of two Black cast members.
- Major drama this season involves reports (via Neighborhood Talk) of Riley being provoked, called an alcoholic, and allegedly trying to throw a glass at castmate Georgia McCann.
- "If she's up there throwing glasses at these motherfuckers in season two, to that we say thank you." – Dustin Ross (06:05)
- Dustin applauds Riley for standing up for herself after enduring mistreatment:
- “Welcome to the Don’t Take No Shit Club. We are happy to have you and we have been waiting on you.” (09:36)
- Reflection on generational strength: Riley's resilience linked back to her mother Kandi and grandmother Mama Joyce.
- “One thing about Kandi, she ain’t never been afraid to stand up for herself, her mama, her man.” (08:58)
Music: New Releases, Nostalgia, and Discovery (10:07–14:53)
- Fran and Dustin catch up on recent music drops—Miguel, Daniel Caesar, Leon Thomas, and Tame Impala—and reminisce about music listening rituals in Brooklyn.
- Fran: “Music hasn't made me feel that way anymore... It just has a different feel.” (12:17)
- Fran discusses her current self-care habits: audiobook listening, reading, and walking with a 20-pound weighted vest.
- “That should have my heart rate at 140... I was on the phone with Jade... and I walked for two and a half miles.” (13:26)
- Dustin admires her dedication: “Friend will fuck you up right now. You a soldier.” (13:29)
- TikTok fitness fads and “chronically online” trends, including weighted vests and walking pads.
- “Stanley Cups, Labubus. They had all that.” (14:59)
Food Culture: Briefcase of Spaghetti (18:57–21:03)
- Discussion pivots to viral food moments: Key's Loaded Kitchen in Portland, famous for its “briefcase of spaghetti” and $100 plates.
- “A briefcase of spaghetti is so fucking funny.” – Fran (19:24)
- “I want that big ass briefcase spaghetti.” – Dustin (19:11)
- The hosts consider naming the episode “A Briefcase of Spaghetti” and express awe at massive portions and the food truck culture in Portland.
Community & Announcements (21:17–28:20)
- Dustin promotes upcoming stand-up shows in Charlotte (Nov 30) and Miami (Dec 4; Art Basel week).
- Fran wants to attend the Brandy & Monica tour—hosts plan a group outing.
- Asante: “I want to be down.” (23:21)
- Asante announces the Patreon Wednesday Wind Down and encourages listeners to engage with their community for commercial-free, live, and book club content.
Black Business of the Week (28:24–31:00)
- Spotlight: "Undomesticated" podcast hosted by Michael Arceneaux & Candace Dillard Bassett (from Real Housewives of Potomac).
- Dustin: "Candace is very smart. Michael is a genius, and he's a good person in real life… Support this podcast and enjoy it." (29:34)
Notable Quotes
- Dustin on Riley Burruss standing up for herself:
"Welcome to the Don’t Take No Shit Club. We are happy to have you and we have been waiting on you." (09:36) - On music nostalgia:
Fran: “Music hasn't made me feel that way anymore. And I think that's probably why I stopped giving New Music Friday that much attention.” (12:17) - On TikTok fitness:
“TikTok gets me with fitness stuff. And ironically, there's snacks.” – Fran (17:05) - On Key’s Loaded Kitchen:
“A briefcase of spaghetti is so fucking funny.” – Fran (19:24)
Important Timestamps & Segments
01:23–09:48 – Bravo Next Gen NYC & Riley Drama
Deep dive into Bravo drama, microaggressions on reality TV, and generational Black resilience.
10:07–16:47 – Music Rituals, Wellness & TikTok Trends
Hosts share recent music, reminisce on listening routines, and discuss TikTok-inspired health habits.
18:57–21:03 – Viral Food Moments
Key’s Loaded Kitchen and the hilarious "briefcase of spaghetti" trend.
21:17–24:48 – Announcements & Group Outings
Tour dates, plans for Brandy & Monica show, and group camaraderie.
28:24–31:00 – Black Business of the Week
Shoutout to the 'Undomesticated' podcast by Michael Arceneaux & Candace Dillard Bassett.
31:57–36:12 – Crime Zone Recap and Community Feedback
Recap of last week’s Ellen Greenberg episode, discussion and listener responses on true crime, blood/plasma donation importance.
50:44–84:17 – Spooky Bible Stories (Dustin's Halloween Segment)
Multiple chilling Bible stories recounted: Noah's Ark, Korah's Rebellion (ground swallowing conspirators - Numbers 16), the Levite and his concubine (Judges 19), King Saul’s haunting (1 Samuel 28). Discussion highlights the often-overlooked horror elements in biblical lore.
- Dustin: “Noah's Ark is fucked up when you think about it…That was God deciding to murder and end all these people.” (54:27)
- “Being at. It's still spooky season here at the Friend Zone, I decided to continue in my tradition…” (51:16)
86:42–93:13 – Wellness: Hurricane Melissa Relief Help
Fran asks for community-backed, trusted relief orgs for Jamaica and the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Food for the Poor JA highlighted as a reliable org.
- “Platforms like us come in... If anyone else has resources that can help with the reconstruction that's going to be needed in Jamaica and any type of relief fund, please email me.” – Fran (88:28)
93:13–105:01 – Music Man Segment: New Releases & Festival Tales
Megan Thee Stallion’s comeback, performance/artistry in rap, shout-out to Mandy B at Atlanta’s Hot 107.9, and highlights from One Music Festival (notably Rasheeda’s set).
- Asante: “You were there. You was. Real receipt.” (103:55)
115:02–125:05 – Versus: No Limit vs. Cash Money
Nostalgic trip into 90s/2000s Southern hip-hop, with personal memories tied to tracks by Mia X, Master P, and TRU.
- “I'm gonna dedicate my selections this week to no Limit Records. I'mma play all no limit music this week.” – Dustin (120:08)
134:36–163:00 – Watch What You’ve Been Watching & Reality TV Roundup
Bell Collective, Housewives of Potomac (Wendy’s binoculars!), Salt Lake City drama, Love is Blind Season 6 (Denver): critically and comically unpacked.
- “She was trying so hard to be…But it’s like, girl, this is what you chose.” – Asante (159:43)
Memorable Moments
- Title origin: Fran bursts out laughing, “A briefcase of spaghetti is so fucking funny,” cementing the episode name. (19:24)
- Fitness Flex: Fran’s tales of walking with a weighted vest while catching up with Jade, and TikTok’s influence on white women’s fitness trends.
- Bravo/Escapism: Dustin on Riley standing up for herself and linking Black pop culture moments to deeper truths.
- Spooky Bible: Dustin’s hilarious, chilling retelling of the Bible’s creepiest stories perfectly blends campfire lore with savvy pop references.
- “Let's hit you with all five fingers with a bunch of different spooky elements and stories from the Bible.” (52:12)
Call to Action & Community Engagement
- Hurricane Melissa Relief: Share trusted donation links via Fran’s email, Instagram DMs, or other socials. Special emphasis on community-vetted resources (88:28).
- Patreon Wednesday Wind Down: Listeners are invited to join the Patreon for exclusive content, ad-free feeding, and community-based events (27:31).
- Listener Feedback: The crew routinely highlights listener comments—from Crime Zone thoughts to wellness resources—demonstrating high community involvement.
Tone and Language
- The Friend Zone retains its signature tone: witty, candid, pop culture-rich, and unabashedly Black. The hosts banter effortlessly, shifting from belly laughs to thoughtful critique and community care.
- Dustin's playful, comedic storytelling is a highlight—especially during the Bible segment.
- Fran brings warmth, music, wellness tips, and a keen eye for cultural patterns.
- Asante provides festival coverage, music deep dives, and supportive, introspective commentary.
Summary
"A Briefcase of Spaghetti" is The Friend Zone at its finest: a tapestry of laughter, observation, nostalgia, and activism. The episode explores reality TV “micro-aggressions,” the resilience of Black women, fitness fads, viral food trends, new music, and unforgettable horror stories from the Bible. It’s also laced with community engagement, sharp pop culture takes, and a commitment to mental wellness and social justice. Whether they’re unpacking scripture or rapping along to Southern hip-hop, Dustin, Fran, and Asante keep it real, encouraging listeners to laugh, reflect, and support one another through it all.